Printing attachment for converting &#34;linotype&#34; machines into printing devices



May 3, 1960 w, DOYLE ET AL 2,935,017

PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR CONVERTING "LINOTYPE" MACHINES INTO PRINTING DEVICES Filed Dec. 2, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 William h. Day/e Leonard A. White/rouse 1 N VE N TORS.

BY MM 5% May 3, 1960 w, DOYLE ET AL 2,935,017

PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR CONVERTING "LINOTYPE" MACHINES INTO PRINTING DEVICES Filed D60- 2. 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 2

Leonard A. White/rouse 1 N VE N TOR S.

www

William H. Day/ey 1960 w. H. DOYLE ET AL 2,935,017

PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR CONVERTING "LINOTYPE" MACHINES INTO PRINTING DEVICES Filed D86. 2, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 William H. Day/e Leonard A. Whifehouse ZNVENTORS tobe a very desirable machine.

PRINTHNG ATTACHMENT FOR GNVERTHNG LINOTYPE MACHINES INTO PRINTING DE- VICES William H. Doyle, Pittsburgh, and Leonard A. Whit-ehouse, Mount Lebanon, Pa.

ApplicationDecemher 2, 1953, Serial No. 777,787

9 Claims. (Cl. 101-493) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in printing equipment, and more speciiically to a printing attachment which is of such a nature whereby it may be used to convert existing Linotype machines into printing devices.

In the construction of an ordinary Linotype machine, hundreds of matrices are stored in magazines. Upon striking the desired keys, the matrices drop into an assembler and. after the desired line of type or matrices is disposed in the assembler,.the line of matrices is raised to the delivery which transfers the matrices to a first elevator. The first elevator then carries the matrices down to apair of jaws and into an opening in a mold plate at which time the matrices cooperate with the mold plate to define a mold for casting a line of type. Next the metal pot moves into position with respect to the mold'plate and molten metalis forced into the mold plate to form the desired line of type. After the molding operation'has been completed, the matrices are transferred to a second elevator which in turn transfers the matrices to a sorting device which properly sorts the matrices and returns them to the magazine in their proper order. i

,After the line of type has been molded, it is necessary that it be assembled with other line type and then mounted in a printing press for the'printing operation.

For the foregoing operation, the Linotype has proved On the other hand, in lithographic printing it is necessary that thejmolding operation be completed and the lines of type assembled intoa form for a single printing. After a single copy has been printed, through the lithographic process the necessary plates are made; Accordingly, a great deal of work is involved in the obtaining of a single printed PY- t It is thereore the primary object of this invention to provide an attachment for converting a Linotype machine into a printing device whereby in lieu of the lines of type beinggmolded, the matrices will directly print the desired single copy which may be used in the lithographic process. 7

'Another object of this invention is to provide an attachment for converting fLinotype-machines into printing machines, the. attachment including not only a printing mechanism, but also a modified form of matrix wherein in lieu of the matrix being in the form of a mold and having a cavity corresponding to the type to be molded, the matrix has formed thereon the normal type so that the matrices maybe used for a printing operation in lieu of. the usual molding operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved attachment for converting Linotype machines intov printing machines, the attachment including the substitution of matrices having type formed thereon in lieu of cavities, the provision of inking rollers for engaging the type of the matrices ,as they pass through the delivery channel, and, a paper positioning device which will elfect 2,935,017 fiatented May 3, 196g the printing of the desired copy in lieu of the usual mold mg operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide a modified form of Linotype machine wherein the Linotype machine is provided with matrices having a type formed thereon, the delivery channel of the machine being provided with inking rollers for inking the type of the matrices as they pass through the delivery channel, and there being mounted on the metal pot a paper folder and feeding mechanism, together with a platen which urges the paper into engagement with the type of the matrices at the same time as the normal molding operation takes place. v

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details -of construction and operation as morefully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in'which: Figure l is a fragmentary elevational view of the metal pot portion of a Linotype machine which has been converted into a printing machine by the printing attachment which is the subject of this invention, a portion of the mold disk and the first elevator being shown in section in order to illustrate the relationship of the printing attachment with respectto a matrix during the actual printing operation; Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the delivery, mold disk and metal pot portion of a Linotype machine and shows mounted thereon the printing attachment which is the subject'of this invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the print-. ing attachment and shows the general relationship of the various components thereof;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through the device for varying the feed .of the paper used with the printing attachment; I

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through the adapter mouthpiece for the metal pot and shows the relationship of the paper during an actual printing operation; and v i Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view on en-:v larged scale and shows the details of the modified formof matrix used in conjunction with the printing attachment.

The conventional Linotype machine includes many, components, such as a keyboard, a'magazine for holding matrices, an assembler for receiving the matrices from.

'the magazine as the individual keys are punched, a 'deto their original position within the magazine. While all of these components are important parts of acon-' ventional" Linotype machine, only a few of'the components are modified in the use of the invention and the illustration and description of these components is be-:. lieved to be suflicient. Accordingly, all of the required;- 7 operating components of a conventional Linotype machine will not be described in detail.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 in particular, it will;

be seen that there are illustrated components of a conventional Linotype machine which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The machine '10 includes a delivery channel 12 which is fixed and which" has associated therewith a movable delivery 14 which; moves back and forth longitudinally of the delivery chan- 1391 12 fgr moving a line of matrices through the delivery channel 12 from an assembler (not shown).

Mounted relative to the delivery channel 12 for receiving a line of matrices therefrom is a first elevator 16 of the Linotype machine 10. The first elevator 16 includes suitable jaws 18 for gripping matrices, such as the matrix 20 and removing them from the channel 12. The Linotype machine also includes a metal pot 2 2 which is mounted on an arm 24 for pivotal movement about a shaft 26. The metal pot 22 normally has disposed therein molten metal under pressure and is constructed whereby the molten metal may be forced therefrom in the desired time sequence of the operation of th machine to form a single casting in the form of a line oftype. Mounted in front of the metal pct 22 for cooperation therewith is a mold disk 23. The mold disk -28-has inserted therein at circumferentially spaced po ions mold forming elements 30 which cooperate with thje line of matrices to form a mold for receiving metal from themetal pct 22. The first elevator 16 is so mounted with respect to the mold disk 28 that in timed sequence it positions the-line of matrices 20 relative to the elements in the mold plate 28 to facilitate the molding operation.

The mold disk 28' is provided with a ring gear 32 and is normally driven by means of a rotating gear 34. Thus after each molding operation, the mold disk 28 normally rotates one-quarter of a revolution, this corresponding to the spacing of the mold forming elements 30. In accordance with the present invention, the drive for the gear 34- is eliminated and the mold disk 28 is retained in the position illustrated in Figure 2.

Also in accordance with the present invention a means for heating and pressurizing metal disposed within the metal pot 22 is eliminated. The metal pot 22 is empty and the metal pot 22 is limited to use as a support.

Referring now to Figure 5 in particular, it will beseen that the metal pot 22 has a mouthpiece 36 with a metal passage 38 therethrough which is normally aligned with the line of matrices so that molten metal may be forced into the mold disk 28 to form the desired line of type.

The present invention includes a mouthpiece adapter for the mouthpiece 38, the adapter being referred to in general by the reference numeral 40. The mouthpiece adapter 40 is secured to the mouthpiece 36 by means of suitable fasteners 42 which are threadedly engaged with the mouthpiece 36 as at 44'. j

The mouthpiece adapter 40 includes a projecting portijon in the form of a platen '46. The platen 46 is aligned with the line of matrices 20. Projecting from the base portion 48 of the mouthpiece adapter 40 adjacent opposite ends thereof are cars '50 .between which extends an upper guide roller 52 and a lower guide roller 54. The purpose of the guide rollers 52 and 54 is to guide I paper 56 in its passage over the platen 46.

7 At this time it is pointed out that the paper 56 comes in rolls, such as the roll 58. The roll 58 is mounted on a shaft 60 which extends between a pair of mounting brackets 62. The mounting brackets 62 are provided with flanges 64 to facilitate the securement thereof to the lower part ofthe metal pot 22 in the positions best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. v i

: Secured to the upper part of the metal pot 22 in spacedrelation are mounting brackets 66 which have extending at right angles to the lower ends thereof mounting'fianges 68 which are in turn secured to the metal a collar 112 carried by the rod 92.

The. pawlassembly 74 includes. a frame member 78 of the Linotype machine 10. The frame member 78 has secured to the rear surface thereof a tubular memberSti which includes a mounting flange 82. The mounting flange is secured to the rear surface of the frame member 78 by means of fasteners 84. Aligned with the tubular member 80 is an opening 86 through the frame member 78. The tubular member 80 also includes an end wall 88 remote from the frame member 78, the end wall $8 having an opening therethrough.

EAL-finding through the tubular member80 is a shaft 92 which is provided at the left end thereof, as viewed in Figure 4, with a pawl 94 which cooperates with the ratchet wheel 74. The pawl 94 is guided into engagement with the ratchet wheel 74 by means of a spring unit 96 secured to one ofthe mounting brackets 66. The shaft 92 extends not only through the tubular member 80, but also throughthe opening 86 and terminates in a handle portion 98.

The underside portion ofthe rod. 92 adjacentthe handle 93 is serrated as at 100. Secured to the front face of the frame member 78 by certain of the fasteners 84 is a retaining plate 102 which engages in the serrations of the rod 92 to position the rod 92 in an adjusted position relative to the ratchet wheel 74 so that the effective stroke of the pawl 94 relative to, the ratchet wheel '74 may be varied. The rod 92 is retained in adjusted position by means of a holddown spring 104 which is secured to the frame member 78 by a fastener 106.

Mounted within the tubular member 80 is aspring 108 which has the right end thereof bearing against a partition plate 110 disposed within the tubular member 80. The opposite end of the spring 108 bears against Thus the rod 92 is constantly urged to theleft although it cannot move unless it is released from the plate 102.

When the metal pot 22 swings upwardly in the normal operation of the machine 10, the ratchet 74 will ride over the pawl 94. On the return stroke of the metal pot 22, .the pawl 94 will engage the ratchet wheel 74 so as to turn the shaft 70 and feed the paper 56 on the roll 72 and off of the roll 58.

At this time it is pointed out that the rate of feed of the paper 56 will vary depending upon the diameter of the roller 72. Inasmuch as the spacing between the lines of type should remain generally constant, it will be necessary to occasionally adjust the position of the pawl 94 so that the desired spacing may be maintained irrespective of the diameterof the roller 72. I

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 in particular, it will be seen that the matrix 20 is different from the customary matrix usually used in a .Linotype machine. The normal matrix is provided with a recess corresponding to the type to be cast. In lieu of such a recess, the type element is secured to the matrix 20 in projecting relation, the type element beingreferred to by the reference numeral 114. Otherwise the matrix 20 will not differ from the customary matrix and will be provided with its usual identification markings 116 to facilitate the automatic sorting thereof. Incidentally, inasmuch as the matrix is to be used for printing purposes and therefor not subject to heat,- it is no longer necessary to form the matrix of a durable metal, but for economy purposes, the matrix may be formed of plastic or other similar easily molded relatively cheap material.

In order that the matrices 20 may print directly on the paper 56, it is necessary that ink be applied to the type elements 114 thereof. This is accomplished by mounting 'in the rear part of the delivery channel 12 a pair of ink rollers116, as is best shown in Figure 3. Thus as a line of matrices 20 pass through the delivery channel 12, the type elements 114 thereof will be engaged by the ink rollers 116 and the necessary ink applied thereto. The ink rollers 116 are carried by shafts 118 which may be mounted within the rear part of the delivery channel 12 is any desired manner.

It is also necessary to apply ink to the ink rollers 116. This is accomplished by providing a combination reservoir and ink supply roller 120'wiiich is mounted by means of a shaft 122 and a mounting bracket 124 on a frame member 126 of the Linotype machine 10. Furthermore, there is provided an ink transfer plate 128. The ink transfer plate 128 is secured to the delivery 14 by means of a bar 130. When the delivery 14 moves to the left, the ink transfer plate 128 will engage the ink supply roller 120 and receive ink therefrom. Then when the delivery 14 moves to the right, the ink transfer plate 128 will engage the ink supplying rollers 116 so as to transfer the ink thereto.

In the operation of the machine It] with the printing attachment which is the subject of this invention mounted thereon, the line of matrices 20 is moved through the delivery channel 12 by the delivery 14in the customary manner. As the line of matrices 20 pass through the delivery channel 12, the ink supplying rollers 116 will engage the type element-s 114 of the individual matrices 20. The line of matrices 20 is then received by the first delivery 16 and moved into position relative to the mold disk 28. The metal pot 22 is then actuated to move to the position illustrated in Figure 1 by solid lines and in Figure 5. The paper 56 is then moved against the type elements 114 of the matrices 20 and the desired printing takes place. During each sequence of operation, the paper 56 is fed and ink is applied to the ink applying rollers 116.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that through a simple conversion, an existing Linotype machine may be converted to print directly on paper so that the desired printed matter may be obtained for a lithographic process. By so doing, relativelyinexpensive matrices may be used so as to reduce the initial cost of the Linotype equipment. Secondly, the necessity of heating the metal used for molding the line of type is eliminated, as well as the casting operation. In addition to this, it is no longer necessary to trim the type nor is it necessary to assemble the line of type and print the single copy required'for the lithographic operation. Furthermore, it is not necessary to melt down the lines of type to use them over again. Thus, it will be readily apparent that the printing attachment, which is the subject of thisinvention, greatly reduces the cost of obtaining the original copy of printed matter as is required in a lithographic operation.

Another very important feature of this invention is that although the Linotype or linecasting machine is modified to accommodate the present invention, there is no change made in the original linecasting machine which will in any way prevent it from readily being reconnected into a hot metal machine for casting lines of type.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A type casting machine with a direct printing attacl ment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk.

2. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot,- a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said paper holder including feed means operative bymovement of said metal pot whereby as each line is printed, the paper is advanced.

3. A type casting machine with a direct printing attach ment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot,

, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said mouthpiece extension including paper guides on 0pposite sides of said platen.

4. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said paper holder including feed means operative by movement of said metal pot whereby as each line is printed, the paper is advanced, said feed means including a ratchet and pawl drive, said ratchet being movable with said metal pot and said pawl being fixed.

5. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, ancievator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attach: ment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said-matrices prior to the positioning of said matricesrelative to said mold disk, said paper holder including feed means operative by movement of said metal pot whereby as each line is printed, the paper is advanced, said feed means including a ratchet and pawl drive, said ratchet being movable with said metal pot and said pawl being fixed, and means adjustably mounting said pawl whereby the effective stroke of said pawl may be varied. I

6. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a'metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said ink applying means being mounted relative'to said delivery mechanism whereby ink is applied to saidmatrices while in said delivery mechanism.

7. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conven-' tional type and inciuding a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating With said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portion in the form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said ink applying means being mounted relative to said delivery mechanism vwhereby ink is applied to said matrices while in said delivery mechanism,

said ink applying means including a fixed roller for applying ink to said matrices as said matrices pass said roller in said delivery mechanism.

8. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachment, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matanisrin'said ink applying means includinga fixed rollerforqapplying ink to said matrices as said matrices pass rices relative to .said mold disk, and a delivery mechsaid roller in said delivery mechanism, and an ink applying member for periodically applying ink to said roller.

9. A type casting machine with a direct printing attachmerit, said type casting machine being of the conventional type and including a metal pot, a mold disk, an elevator cooperating with said mold disk to position matrices relative to said mold disk, and a delivery mechanism for delivering matrices to said elevator, said printing attachment including a paper holder mounted to said metal pot, a mouthpiece extension on said metal pot having a portiontin the-form of a platen, said matrices being of the positive type, and means for applying ink to said matrices prior to the positioning of said matrices relative to said mold disk, said ink applying means being monnted rela tive to said delivery mechanism whereby ink is applied to said matrices While in said delivery mechanism, said ink applying means including a fixed roller for applying ink to'said matrices as said matrices pass said roller in said delivery mechanism, and an ink applying member, means connecting said ink applying member to said delivery for moving said ink applying member into engagement with said roller in response to actuation of said delivery.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,056,042 Morgan Mar. 18, 1913 

